Processing

Goal 1

Food processing regulations will support businesses.

Image courtesy of FRCOG

As with any industry, regulations are a necessary part of food processing. If regulations are well-crafted, they can protect public health, workers, the environment, and other community interests, and they can create a level playing field. The regulatory system around food processing includes regulations covering many topic areas including but not limited to food safety, worker safety, water quality, taxes, land use, and others.

While food processing-related regulations are intended to ensure consistency and safety in the industry, these regulations can present small-scale food producers and processors with challenges. The complex nature of the regulatory environment poses challenges in navigating and understanding regulatory obligations. For small businesses, the costs associated with regulatory compliance can be onerous. Improvements to the regulatory environment will remove obstacles and introduce efficiencies for food system businesses.